What Colour Flowers for a Funeral?

Understanding Funeral Flower Colours

When someone close to you passes away, choosing funeral flowers is one of the most personal decisions you can make. The colour of the flowers you select carries deep symbolism — conveying emotions that words often cannot express. Whether you are ordering a wreath, a spray, or a heart tribute, the colour palette you choose will shape the overall feeling of your tribute.

In Cheltenham and across Gloucestershire, we see a wonderful mix of traditional and contemporary approaches to funeral flower colours. There is no single right answer — the best choice is one that feels meaningful to you and honours the person you have lost.

Traditional White — Purity, Peace, and Innocence

White remains the most traditional colour for funeral flowers in the UK. White flowers symbolise purity, peace, innocence, and the hope of eternal rest. They are universally appropriate and are a safe choice when you are unsure of the family's preferences.

Popular white funeral flowers include lilies (particularly the elegant white stargazer lily), roses, chrysanthemums, and carnations. A white casket spray or an all-white wreath creates a serene, dignified display that suits any funeral service.

Red — Love, Courage, and Respect

Red flowers carry powerful emotions. Deep red roses are the classic symbol of enduring love, making them a popular choice for tributes from a spouse, partner, or close family member. Red carnations represent admiration and affection, while red chrysanthemums convey deep love.

A red and white combination is particularly striking and traditional — blending love with peace. Heart-shaped tributes in red roses are one of our most requested arrangements at Nat's Funeral Flowers, especially for a partner or parent.

Pink — Grace, Gratitude, and Admiration

Pink funeral flowers express grace, gratitude, admiration, and gentle love. They are a beautiful choice for honouring women, though they are increasingly chosen for anyone whose personality was warm and gentle. Pale pink conveys sympathy and gentleness, while deeper pinks express gratitude and appreciation.

Pink roses, gerberas, and carnations are popular choices. Pink arrangements work beautifully in sprays and wreaths, offering a softer alternative to traditional white.

Yellow — Friendship, Joy, and New Beginnings

Yellow flowers symbolise friendship, warmth, joy, and new beginnings. They are a wonderful choice for celebrating a life well lived, particularly for someone known for their cheerful personality or sunny disposition. Yellow roses, chrysanthemums, and freesias bring a sense of hope and light to a funeral service.

Yellow is increasingly popular at celebration of life services in Cheltenham, where families choose to honour their loved one's spirit rather than focus solely on mourning.

Purple — Dignity, Devotion, and Royalty

Purple has long been associated with dignity, respect, and spiritual devotion. Darker shades like deep purple and violet convey sorrow and sympathy, while lighter lavender tones suggest grace and elegance. Purple irises, freesias, and roses are all beautiful choices for funeral tributes.

Bright and Mixed Colours — Celebrating a Life

There is a growing trend in Cheltenham and across the UK towards colourful, vibrant funeral flowers that celebrate the personality of the deceased. Bright sunflowers, orange gerberas, multicoloured roses, and mixed seasonal blooms create a joyful, uplifting display.

This approach is particularly popular for celebrations of life, younger people, or anyone whose personality was colourful and vibrant. There are no rules that say funeral flowers must be sombre — many families find great comfort in choosing colours that remind them of happy times.

Cheltenham Traditions and Modern Trends

In Cheltenham, we see a healthy mix of traditional and modern approaches. Older generations tend to favour classic white and muted tones, while younger families increasingly choose brighter, more personal colour schemes. Church services often lean towards traditional white, while crematorium and celebration of life services allow for more creative expression.

Our advice is always the same: choose colours that feel right for the person you are honouring. If they loved their garden, consider flowers in the colours they grew. If they had a favourite colour, weave it through your tribute. The most meaningful arrangements are always the most personal ones.

Need Help Choosing?

At Nat's Funeral Flowers, we understand that choosing funeral flowers during a difficult time can feel overwhelming. Our experienced florists are here to guide you through every option, from pricing to colour selection. We deliver across Cheltenham and Gloucestershire, coordinating with local funeral directors to ensure your tribute is perfect.

Call us on 0771 055 0712 or send us a message — we are here to help.